Gorgeous outdoor wedding venues don’t have to break the bank! Here are 15 ultimate budget-friendly wedding destinations in the United States.
15 Affordable Outdoor Wedding Venues That Will Wow You
Saying I do comes with a price, and lately, it’s too steep. On the average, American couples spend a whopping $30,000 for a one-day wedding! Fortunately, there’s a way to have the wedding of your dreams without putting a huge dent into your savings. Here are 15 amazing outdoor wedding venues you can rent for as low as $350! From historical mansions to stunning natural sceneries, these outdoor wedding destinations are picture-perfect.
1. Lilac Inn, Vermont
Dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding? The 1909 Lilac Inn is what you’re looking for. Charming, quaint, and quiet, the luxurious bed and breakfast offers a well-manicured garden stretching more than two acres and decorated with a gazebo, cobblestone paths, and cascading water fountains. The inn also takes care of event planning and catering with a menu featuring fresh produce.
Estimated Cost: less than $2,000 per 100 guests
2. Heritage Square Museum, California
Enjoy a vintage-themed wedding in the sprawling Heritage Square Museum. It features a few outdoor wedding venues and buildings inspired by the early California days. These include the Victorian Hale House and Italianate Victorian all-white Perry Mansion. Depending on the actual venue, it can accommodate between 35 and 300 guests.
Estimated Costs: as low as $1,500 rental fee for reception, includes setup and dismantling service
3. Ashcroft Ghost Town, Colorado
Set amid the lovely Rockies is the Ashcroft Ghost Town, a standing reminder of the silver mining boom in Castle Creek Valley. Although the miners are gone, you can rent the time-tested structures such as a saloon for your intimate summer wedding.
Estimated Costs: $350 rental fee for three hours, $45 per additional hour
4. Bronx Zoo, New York
Invite the peacocks, lemurs, and gorillas to your wedding! For a fun, fun, fun wedding event, book your date at the Bronx Zoo. Sip cocktails and enjoy your fondues either in the Congo Gorilla Forest or Old World-inspired Astor Court. Guests can roam around the 256 acres and check out the interactive exhibits while waiting.
Estimated Costs: $5,000 for 100 guests. Portion of the proceeds go to Wildlife Conservation Society
5. Nona Lani Cottages, Hawaii
A destination beach wedding on a budget? Oh yes! The Nona Lani Cottages in Hawaii is one of the best outdoor wedding venues for couples who dream of celebrating in a tropical paradise. Say your vows surrounded by the vibrantly colored plumeria flowers and dance the night away underneath the stars.
Wedding Costs: $1,200 plus 4% state tax (daytime site fee, 8 hours), $2,000 plus 4% state tax (evening site fee, 8 hours). There’s a separate fee for wedding coordination.
6. Jefferson Patterson Park, Maryland
The rolling hills, open-air pavilion, and garden pathways of Jefferson Patterson Park make a dreamy rustic wedding. The distinct red barn with a connection to an outdoor courtyard can hold up to 200 people. And because a barnyard wedding won’t be complete without some country music and dance, the venue also provides a dance floor.
Estimated Costs: $1,750 (full-day rental), includes pavilion, bistro chairs, bridal room, caterer’s kitchen, use of the lawn, and decorative barrels
7. Key Largo Lighthouse, Florida
Bring your entourage to the Florida Keys! The Key Largo Lighthouse is one of the blissful outdoor wedding venues for super-private couples. After all, the secluded beach that’s only minutes away from Miami International Airport can be all yours for a day or more.
Estimated Costs: less than $12,000 for 100 guests, includes oceanfront views, bridal suite, and caterer consultations
8. New England Aquarium, Massachusetts
Harbor views? Check! A gastronomic feast? Check! A one-of-a-kind wedding experience? Check! Certainly, a wedding in the New England Aquarium in Boston is unforgettable. One of the unique and affordable outdoor wedding venues in the country, you can celebrate with the penguins and other cute marine animals. Meanwhile, the Harbor View Terrace and Tent provides guests a close encounter with the historic Massachusetts harbor and waterfront.
Estimated Costs: $1,000 (starting price for rental fee), minimum $10,000 for catering, which already includes in-house coordinator, music, and alcohol
9. Joslyn Castle, Nebraska
Rent a castle and be a queen on your wedding day! The Scottish-style baronial Joslyn Castle features thirty-five well-appointed rooms and castle grounds with a greenhouse, majestic trees, perennial flower beds, and birdhouses.
Estimated Costs: $1,500 (off-season ceremony and reception, includes 1-hour rehearsal)
10. Millcreek Inn, Utah
Nestled in the heart of a canyon, the Millcreek Inn is one of the value-for-money outdoor wedding venues in Salt Lake City. The outdoor patio with views of towering pine trees can accommodate 250 guests. The staff can also take care of your catering and bar services, as well as customize your wedding theme such as eco-friendly or summer.
Estimated Costs: as low as $2,000 depending on the day of the week, includes exclusive use of the grounds and building, canyon passes, and setup and clean-up. Total bill includes 20 percent service charge.
11. Red Agave Resort, Arizona
Imagine this: saying your vows in the middle of a desert garden with Sedona’s unique red rock formations glistening behind you. This is the wedding you get from Red Agave Resort in Arizona. For an overnight prep, you can rent the studios and chalets with access to hot tubs, pool, and resort activities such as Oak Creek hike.
Estimated Costs: less than $6,000 for on-site ceremony and reception for 100 guests, $500 for ceremony-only wedding (good for 20 people and below)
12. Grounds For Sculpture, New Jersey
An artsy outdoor wedding is only a book away when you pick Grounds for Sculpture. Located in Hamilton, New Jersey it is the home of more than 200 contemporary unique art installations, some of which make awesome wedding backgrounds. These include the Nine Muses and Acer courtyard filled with Japanese maple trees.
Estimated Costs: about $2,000 site fee
13. Mission Point Resort, Michigan
Mission Point Resort in Mackinac Island, Michigan, is every bride’s go-to destination. With its laid-back atmosphere and classy spa services, you’ll never be a bridezilla! One of the private outdoor wedding venues, the historic-themed island hotel has several activities to keep everyone happy before, during, and after the ceremony.
Estimated Costs: minimum $2,700 for 15 to 20 guests, includes ceremony on the promenade deck or gazebo, champagne toast, and reception with shrimp cocktail display and cheese board
14. River School Farm, Nevada
There’s more to Vegas weddings in the White Chapel. Step away from the neon lights of the Strip and go for a low-key farm or boho chic wedding near the Truckee River. In Nevada’s River School Farm, weddings are all about stories around bonfires, ceremony on the meadow or riverfront, and succulent grilled meats toned down by organic green salads.
Estimated Costs: at least $3,000 (use of the entire property), $30 per hour per person (staffing)
15. Decatur House, Washington DC
Make your wedding unforgettable by having it in an equally memorable wedding venue. The Decatur House in Lafayette Square is only a stone’s throw away from the White House and is one of the oldest American homes in the metro, having been around since 1818! A tented or open-air ceremony and reception in the courtyard, therefore, is one for the books.
Estimated Costs: $3,000 rental fee (weekday daytime rent), includes guided house tour
Besides having it in affordable outdoor wedding venues, you can let your budget go the extra mile by opting for DIYs!
Planning for a cheap wedding? From a castle in Omaha to a cottage in Maui, these pretty outdoor wedding venues all over the United States give you not only the best value for money but also an experience you and your guests will treasure for the rest of your lives.
Do you know other budget outdoor wedding venues? Help out our bride-to-be friends! Share your ideas in the comments section below. After the wedding, continue the romance with European honeymoon trips.
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on August 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.